Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF)

Page Content

New funding formula for California schools

In an effort to create a more equitable formula for distributing state funding, to provide greater flexibility to local school districts, and to support a student-centered, performance-focused environment, the State of California enacted the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

The LCFF represents a major shift in how California funds local school districts. The goal of the LCFF is to simplify how state funding is provided to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools, or “local educational agencies” (LEAs). The LCFF supports equity by employing a student-focused formula which provides more funding to school districts based on number and concentration of high-need students - English Learners, low-income, and foster youth.

How can the LCFF improve education for California's students?

Through the LCFF, the state is providing new decision-making power to local districts and their school boards, in collaboration with parents and other local stakeholders, to act based on their students’ needs. Local control, local flexibility, and local accountability are key components of the LCFF.

State Priorities

The state of California has identified eight priorities for improving student outcomes that must be addressed by school districts in their Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs).

Conditions of Learning

Pupil Outcomes

Engagement

Basic Services– providing all students access to fully credentialed teachers, instructional materials that align with state standards, and facilities that are maintained in good repair.

Implementation of State Standards– implementing California’s academic standards, including the Common Core State Standards in English language arts and math, Next Generation Science Standards, English language development, history social science, visual and performing arts, health education, and physical education standards.

Course Access– student enrollment in a broad course of study that includes all of the subject areas.

Pupil Achievement– improving student achievement and outcomes along multiple measures, including test scores, English proficiency and college and career preparedness.

Other Pupil Outcomes– includes the measurement of other important student outcomes related to required areas of study, including physical education and the arts.

Parental Involvement– districts will seek parent input in decision-making and they will promote parent participation in the educational programs of all students.

School Climate– measured by student suspension and expulsion rates, and other locally identified means, such as surveys of pupils, parents, and teachers on the sense of school safety and connectedness.